WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2458

Education - As introduced, enacts the "Public Education Investments Act"; increases, from $50,000 to $50,290, the minimum base salary in the state salary schedule for teachers; increases from 5 percent to 10 percent the weighted allocation for a student who is a member in a school that is eligible for Title I schoolwide designation in the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act; increases the amount of a Tennessee middle college scholarship by 3 percent each academic year for 10 academic years. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Pearson

Tennessee bill modestly raises teacher minimum salary by $290, doubles Title I school funding weight to 10%, and increases middle college scholarships 3% annually for ten years.

Placed on s/c cal K-12 Subcommittee for 3/17/2026
#education
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2458

Legislative bill overview

HB 2458 makes three targeted increases to Tennessee education funding: raising the minimum teacher base salary by $290 (from $50,000 to $50,290), doubling the weighted funding multiplier for Title I schools from 5% to 10%, and implementing annual 3% increases to middle college scholarships over 10 years. The bill amends Tennessee's education code (TCA Title 49) to institutionalize these changes.

Why is this important

Teacher compensation directly affects recruitment and retention in a competitive labor market, while Title I weighting ensures higher-poverty schools receive proportionally more resources. Middle college scholarship enhancements can increase post-secondary access for lower-income students. Together, these measures address equity gaps, though their modest scope suggests incremental rather than transformative change.

Potential points of contention

  • Salary increase scope: A $290 raise is minimal (0.58% increase) and may not meaningfully impact teacher recruitment or retention in higher cost-of-living areas
  • Funding source unclear: The bill doesn't specify where the revenue comes from, raising questions about whether this represents new appropriations or reallocation from other programs
  • Title I weighting trade-offs: Doubling weighted funding for Title I schools benefits disadvantaged districts but may reduce per-pupil resources in non-Title I areas depending on total budget allocation
  • Middle college scholarship sustainability: 3% annual increases for 10 years create long-term budget obligations (33% total growth) without addressing whether program demand justifies this expansion trajectory

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.